Trinity Physicist to Explore Wonderful World of Irish Research in Bright Sparks

Posted on: 21 May 2015

Senior Research Fellow in Physics at Trinity, Dr Shane Bergin, will explore how science and innovation in Ireland are changing the way we live as he explores the wonderful world of research in a new eight-part documentary called Bright Sparks. The programme will air on RTÉ; Radio 1 at 7pm each Sunday, with the first episode coming this weekend (Sunday May 24). 

Dr Bergin is a passionate science communicator, who has won numerous high-profile awards for his outreach, which included the Dart of Physics campaign that saw Dublin’s commuters enjoy a dose of physics on their way to work each morning last year.

He said: “Making Bright Sparks has been an incredible experience. Irish scientists are making global impact and the stories behind what inspires and drives them may change your perception of science. Connecting people with science is an important aspect of my own research. I believe that the life-enhancing potential of science and technology cannot be realised unless the public in general comes to understand science, mathematics and technology and to acquire scientific habits of mind – I hope Bright Sparks will play a role in helping this."

Bright Sparks will feature discussions with a number of researchers – a great number of whom work at Trinity – over the duration of the series, as listeners are invited to consider what happens when you allow bright people to follow their curiosity and solve the world’s problems.

The series explores how Irish researchers and their work is tackling contemporary issues, from climate change and antibiotic resistance to the future of food and seeking solutions for dementia, cancer and motor neurone disease.

Trinity-based guests will include Professor of Chemical Physics and nanotechnology industry leader, Jonathan Coleman, Professor of Biochemistry, Luke O’Neill, Professor of Genetics, Aoife McLysaght, and Assistant Professor in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Conor McGinn, who designs robots to care for the elderly and disabled in their homes.

Bright Sparks reveals the depth and scale of Irish research from genetics to space and also looks at the legacy of research investment in the last 15 years, questioning whether those advances are being undermined by research cuts and a short-term mission for outcomes.

Dr Bergin added: “Scientists are curious people who wish to explore the world around them. Their ideas are sparked by shared conversations. Bright Sparks invites you to listen in on those conversations and understand the root of ideas, discovery, invention and how science works.”